Delhi airport runway shutdown: Expect flight delays till THIS month; all details here
Travellers who are scheduled to fly from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport might be facing flight delays due to its interim closure. As per the reports, the runway, 28/10, has been shut temporarily for upgrades starting from April 8. It is expected to remain closed until the end of July, according to an advisory issued by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL). The primary reason behind the closure of this airport runway is to enhance the runway’s instrument landing system (ILS) category, which allows for CAT III-B operations even if there is extremely low visibility. This is done to ensure that Delhi’s winter fog does not disrupt air traffic.
What is its impact on flight operations?The closure has reduced the airport’s overall capacity, particularly during times when easterly winds are blowing. In such weather conditions, the number of runways available for landings and takeoffs decreases.
Currently, when easterly winds prevail, only one runway (11R) is available for arrivals; the other two are used for departures. This limited arrangement results in longer wait times for flights, decreasing delays across scheduled flights.
Many airlines, including IndiGo, have issued advisories to passengers, warning them of the possible delays and recommending they check flight updates before booking or heading to the airport.
With the travel season approaching, this situation is expected to worsen. Increasing in the number of flight delays.
DIAL says, "We request passengers to stay in touch with their airlines for any updates and plan their travel accordingly.” Meanwhile, some parts of Terminal 3 are being reconfigured to handle more international flights as a part of a broader modernization plan for the airport.
Read more: Big visa change ahead? US plans to scrap this visa route — How Indians will be hit
Terminal 2 renovation
T2 of the Delhi airport will also be closed for 4-5 months starting this April. All its passenger load and operations will be shifted to Terminal 1, which has been recently revamped.
Read more : Chamoli in Uttarakhand hit by flash floods: What travellers need to know
What should travelers do?
The airport handles over 1,200 flights a day, and even a small disruption can hinder the overall operation. Authorities are urging its passengers to be patient as these infrastructure improvements are intended to enhance long-term efficiency
What is its impact on flight operations?The closure has reduced the airport’s overall capacity, particularly during times when easterly winds are blowing. In such weather conditions, the number of runways available for landings and takeoffs decreases.
Currently, when easterly winds prevail, only one runway (11R) is available for arrivals; the other two are used for departures. This limited arrangement results in longer wait times for flights, decreasing delays across scheduled flights.
Many airlines, including IndiGo, have issued advisories to passengers, warning them of the possible delays and recommending they check flight updates before booking or heading to the airport.
With the travel season approaching, this situation is expected to worsen. Increasing in the number of flight delays.
DIAL says, "We request passengers to stay in touch with their airlines for any updates and plan their travel accordingly.” Meanwhile, some parts of Terminal 3 are being reconfigured to handle more international flights as a part of a broader modernization plan for the airport.
Read more: Big visa change ahead? US plans to scrap this visa route — How Indians will be hit
Terminal 2 renovation
T2 of the Delhi airport will also be closed for 4-5 months starting this April. All its passenger load and operations will be shifted to Terminal 1, which has been recently revamped.
Read more : Chamoli in Uttarakhand hit by flash floods: What travellers need to know
What should travelers do?
- Plan their flights and vacations and factor in possible delays.
- Follow any advisories, keep an eye out for any announcements from airports or airlines,
- Stay updated to check regular flight scheduling via airport apps and designated websites.
The airport handles over 1,200 flights a day, and even a small disruption can hinder the overall operation. Authorities are urging its passengers to be patient as these infrastructure improvements are intended to enhance long-term efficiency
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